Behavioral Grooves Podcast

Is AI about to take over the world, or is it simply…misunderstood?

Tim takes on a solo-sode with guest Ben Manning, a PhD candidate at MIT who is currently writing a thesis on the fascinating world of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning.  They explore the intricacies of AI, defining key terms, and discussing the hierarchy within AI, machine learning, and large language models. From spell check to ChatGPT, the world of...

Budget hotel or 5-star experience? Pack a lunch or grab it to-go? Save your money or spend it? Are you a tightwad or a spendthrift? 

Scott Rick, author of "Tightwads and Spendthrifts," joins Kurt and Tim on this week’s episode to discuss all things related to personal finance and our relationship with money. Scott explains the distinctions between tightwads and spendthrifts, detailing how these traits influence your financial habit...

Take a deep breath. Step outside. Smell the coffee. Tune in to Behavioral Grooves.

This week, Kurt and Tim sit down with Emma Seppälä, author of "Sovereign," to discuss the importance of understanding and embracing our emotions, practicing self-compassion, and relying on intuition in our decision-making process. In this empowering conversation, Emma emphasizes the transformative power of self-compassion and self-love in our daily l...

This week on Behavioral Grooves, things get personal – or at least professionally personal – as Kurt and Tim are joined by Becky Frayer, founder and CEO of Behavioral Fusion. Becky shares valuable tips and strategies for overcoming challenges in large organizations and explores the practical applications of behavioral science in the business world.

Throughout their discussion, Kurt, Tim, and Becky emphasize the importance of applyi...

How often do you question the 'facts' you encounter in everyday life?

This week, Alex Edmans, author of May Contain Lies, joins Kurt and Tim to question the world around us. They explore the significance of critical thinking and cognitive diversity, highlighting the value of diverse perspectives and evidence-based reasoning. They discuss the differences between facts and statements, the dangers of misleading inferences from evidenc...

How do we make sense in a world that often seems nonsensical? In this week’s episode, Kurt and Tim team up with Saul Perlmutter and Rob MacCoun, co-authors of Third Millennium Thinking, to try and answer these unanswerable questions for listeners. Together, they bring the scientific method from theory to practice as they explore key aspects of scientific inquiry, probabilistic thinking, and the significance of embracing uncertainty...

Have you ever wondered how your childhood experiences influence your adult relationships and behaviors?

This week, Kurt and Tim jump into attachment theory with renowned clinical psychologist Dr. Judy Ho. They explore the different types of secure and insecure attachment, and how our early bonds with primary caregivers shape our developmental years and influence our adult behavior and relationships. Dr. Ho explains how attachment s...

Have you ever struggled with the pitfalls of imposter syndrome in the workplace? Been wracked with self-doubt when leading your teams?

Join Kurt and Tim as they dive into these topics and many more with Martin Gonzalez, co-author of "The Bonfire Moment." They explore the intricacies of leadership, team dynamics, and overcoming obstacles in startups. Martin shares his expertise on uniting teams to solve problems through a unique wor...

When was the last time you wanted to speak up, but were too afraid to?

This week, embark on a riveting exploration of silence with Kurt, Tim, and special guest Elaine Lin Herring, author of Unlearning Silence. Through rich conversation, they delve into the intricate dynamics of power, societal expectations, and the profound impact of silence in our personal and professional lives. Elaine illuminates the hidden complexities behind o...

Ketamine therapy has recently been a hot topic in the mental health industry, but what exactly is ketamine therapy? Who is it for, and what are the benefits/risks associated with it?

Dive into the forefront of mental health innovation with Kurt, Tim, and special guest Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo as they unpack the groundbreaking potential of ketamine therapy as a transformative treatment for depression and anxiety. Dr. Lombardo sheds li...

Originally published as Why Talking To Strangers Is Actually Good For Your Wellbeing | Nick Epley

Embark on a journey of rediscovery as we revisit an episode that's sure to reignite your passion for meaningful connections. Join us as we delve into the timeless wisdom of Nick Epley, whose insights continue to resonate with listeners old and new.

Do you strike up a conversation with a stranger on a plane or while waiting in line? If ...

Could asking the right questions transform your conversations? That’s the question of the week for Kurt and Tim, as they delve into the power of inquiry and active listening with this week’s esteemed guest, author Jeff Wetzler. Jeff, the author of "Ask," shares groundbreaking research and surprising insights about the impact of asking the right questions, offering listeners a roadmap to navigate the complexities of communication wi...

Ever find yourself coasting on autopilot a bit too often in your daily routine? Seeking ways to be more present and truly connect with your habits to enhance your life? Join Kurt and Tim on a profound exploration into the world of sense foraging and breaking free from autopilot habits.

In this enlightening episode, Kurt and Tim are joined by special guests Norman Farb and Zindel Segal, esteemed researchers in psychology and neurosc...

What separates a ritual from a habit? Join Kurt and Tim this week as they delve into the intriguing world of rituals and habits with special guest Mike Norton, acclaimed author of The Ritual Effect. Together, they explore the nuances that distinguish rituals from mere habits, shedding light on how rituals infuse our daily lives with meaning and significance.

According to Michael, rituals are more than just actions; they're meaningf...

Dive deep into the realm of behavioral science with Kurt and Tim this week as they explore the scalability of behavioral nudges and interventions through the groundbreaking research of Silvia Saccardo. Discover how Silvia's work sheds light on the effectiveness of interventions, from COVID-19 vaccination reminders to improving student sleep habits.

Unveil the nuanced impact of nudges and their effectiveness for motivated individual...

Curious about how prioritizing happiness can transform leadership and workplace dynamics? Well, look no further than this week’s discussion with Gonzalo Camiña Ceballos, CEO of BeWay, a Mexico City/Madrid-based company paving the way in bringing the principles of behavioral science to the workplace.  In this conversation, Kurt, Tim, and Gonzalo dive deep into the realms of humanistic management, personal fulfillment, and the concep...

So many voices, who do we listen to? The loudest, most senior or most popular voice?

Our lives are rife with pivotal moments yet it’s harder to get decisions right. However, amidst this whirlwind, we at Behavioral Grooves recently made a resounding decision – to tune in and sit down with a guest who could help us untangle the intricacies of decision-making in the modern noisy world.

Enter Nuala Walsh, the insightful author of “Tune...

March always feels like one of those months where you hit a slump. Work is back in full force, there are no holidays in sight, and life can start to feel a bit overwhelming like you can’t catch a break. In other words, if you’re reading this, you might be feeling burnt out.

But what exactly is burnout? Is it real? Or is it just a dramatic way of saying “I’m tired”? Join Kurt and Tim as they chat with Dr. Kandi Wiens, author of Burn...

We’re back to our regularly scheduled program this week and full of energy - or should we say Energy Rising?

Join Kurt and Tim as they embark on a captivating exploration of emotional intelligence in this episode featuring Dr. Julia DiGangi, author of "Energy Rising." Delve into the intricate relationship between neuroscience and emotions as Dr. DiGangi uncovers the transformative potential of understanding our emotional landscape.